Dynamics of changes in competencies required in the labour market for data analyst and business analyst professions in Russia

Arteeva, Valeriia, Skhvediani, Angi and Sosnovskikh, Sergey ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3744-740X (2024) Dynamics of changes in competencies required in the labour market for data analyst and business analyst professions in Russia. Journal of Applied Economic Research, 23 (4). ISSN 2712-7435 (In Press)

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Abstract

There is an escalating demand for highly skilled professionals in digital analysis in Russia heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of the special military operation in 2022. This study aims to identify the precise competencies employers seek for big data analytics (BDA) professions with the focus on data analyst (DA) and business analyst (BA). It also aims to examine the dynamics and evolving skillset structures of these two roles. Our sample size comprises 2357 vacancies that were analysed in 2020 and 2023. Our multimethod approach involves four stages: data collection of job postings, data processing, identification of the skills structures, and statistical analysis and data visualisation. We also used various techniques such as web-scrapping, data parsing, tokenisation, n-gram extraction, and social network analysis. Our results indicate a shift in Russia, where DAs require a solid understanding of business concepts, familiarity with non-STEM fields, and soft skills such as management, communication, and teamwork. BAs must possess technical skills related to BDA, including tool use, programming, and data analytics. The emphasis on interpersonal skills, like creativity and empathy, is crucial for effective collaboration in the interdisciplinary BDA field. This research clarifies the specific competencies required for DA and BA roles, emphasising their interdisciplinary nature in the Russian context. It offers practical insights for educational institutions, organizations, and policymakers to align curricula, training, and policies with market demands, and provides guidance for job seekers to enhance their skills and employability.